Family Safari Package, In Palm Springs

So one of these days in the fairly distant future, I will take my family on an African safari. I will.

However, I realize that this will most definitely be an expensive adventure, and getting to Africa – wherever we decide to take the safari – is not always an easy venture with kids.

In the meantime, it appears I can appease my desire for a safari by hopping on a plane to Palm Springs, California.

The Hyatt Grand Champions Resort & Spa (map) in Palm Springs has introduced the Living Desert Safari, an overnight package where families can experience an exclusive private tour of The Living Desert, which features over 450 animals, as well as acres of botanical gardens featuring foliage rarely seen – even in zoos.

Founded in 1970, The Living Desert is engaged in the important work of preserving, conserving and interpreting the desert and all its varied plant and animal life. Located at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains (map), just outside of Palm Springs, their mission is to to preserve a portion of the Colorado Desert in its natural state, and to build an awareness of, an and an appreciation for, the variety of plants and animals around the world. In addition to their savanna exhibit with giraffe and ostrich, there’s also a childrens play park and a butterfly pavilion.

The Living Desert Safari Package includes:

• Overnight accommodation
• 3 hour private tour of zoo and gardens
• Special behind the scenes look at Amur Leopards
• Giraffe Feeding
• Carousel Ride (opens in  November)
• Tennity Wildlife Hospital tour
• Lunch
• Rates begins at $299

When your safari’s over, have a splash at the pool or a turn down the water slide. The Hyatt Grand Champions also offers Camp Hyatt for guests aged 3-12 – a supervised program for kids.

It may not be Kruger National Park, but it sounds like a lot of fun for a quickie getaway with a touch of education thrown in on the side.

Photos courtesy Hyatt Grand Champions Resort